Vanilla Bean Latte

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This homemade Vanilla Bean Latte is so easy to make at home. This is my go-to, quick and easy vanilla latte recipe that can be enjoyed hot or iced. All you need are three ingredients, and you’ll have a latte ready in no time.

While it’s easy to grab a coffee to go, this homemade latte is even easier to make at home! You can make this latte with real vanilla beans or with vanilla syrup. It’s so darn easy!

A vanilla bean latte with a pink striped straw.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You can enjoy this latte hot or iced. In the summer, I make mine iced, but in the winter, I use my smeg milk frother to heat up the milk for a cozy, warm latte. Honestly, this has been my all-time favorite purchase as, again, it works its magic without me with a push of a button.
You only need 3 ingredients plus some ice. It’s definitely more budget-friendly than visiting Starbucks daily.
You can make this latte so quickly! Pretty much as long as it takes for the coffee machine to make the coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients needed to make a vanilla bean latte.

espresso — I use vanilla Nespresso pods, but you can brew a strong coffee or use instant espresso.
vanilla bean syrup — I use Torani vanilla bean syrup! Alternatively, you can use ¼ teaspoon of fresh vanilla beans and a splash of regular vanilla syrup.
milk — you can use regular milk or dairy-free milk.

How to Make a Vanilla Bean Latte

Set of two photos showing espresso in a measuring cup and syrup in a glass.

Prepare your coffee. I use a coffee maker. Heat up your milk if you’d like warm milk. You can heat up the milk in a machine or on the stovetop. You can even microwave the milk if you choose to.
To a glass or mug, add the vanilla bean syrup. Add ice if you’d like to enjoy it cold. If using real vanilla beans, add it alongside your regular vanilla syrup.

Set of two photos showing espresso and milk added to a glass.

Add the ice to the glass for an iced latte.
Add the coffee to the glass.
Add the milk to the glass. Stir to combine and enjoy immediately.

Recipe Tips and Notes

Instead of ice, freeze extra coffee in an ice tray and use it in the latte to avoid it getting watered down! I do this with my matcha often to keep my matcha latte from being watery!
Make this stronger by using less milk and increasing the espresso.
Add some froth or whipped cream on top if you desire!

Can I make vanilla bean syrup at home?

You sure can! Just make sure to use it ahead of time, so the syrup can cool.

Start by using a small sharp knife to slice open a vanilla bean lengthwise, then gently scrape out the vanilla bean seeds from the pod. Add the seeds to the sugar water and give it a stir.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup water, and the vanilla bean seeds. Bring to a gentle boil and cook until the sugar has dissolved. Make sure to stir the entire time.